During his lifetime, Max Reger (1873-1916) already came to the conclusion: "An den Liedern wollen die Sänger noch gar nicht heran", an observation that still seems applicable today, because a performance of a song by Reger is still the proverbial white raven. This CD contains nine songs by his hand, including the "Geistliche Gesänge op.19 & op.105". In addition, two of his students are
… represented: Karl Hasse with "Hinauf" and "O lux beata Trinitas" and Othmar Schoeck with three psalm settings. Reger's songs have something unruly: the melodies are very irregular in progress, both rhythmic and melodic. Actually that is not so surprising, because Reger believed that a melody was only 'completed' by a vote against and this philosophy is clearly reflected in the works included here. Despite these objections, the expressiveness and individuality of Reger's songs make them worth overcoming the difficulties. The first song "Passion song, Op.19, nr.1" on this recording immediately stands out: it is an intense reproduction of a personal meditation on Christ's death on the cross. The performances of the three participating singers are fair to good, which also applies to the accompaniment of organist Rolf Schönstedt. The only downside is the somewhat dull organ (Rieger 1991). (JvG) _more
